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Great Pyrenees
Health grade C- Shoulder height65–80 cm
- Weight40–75 kg
- Life expectancy10–12 yrs
- Puppy price2,000–3,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an imposing, majestic giant—an independent livestock guardian dog bred to protect herds in the mountains autonomously, fearlessly, and without human command against predators.
- Health grade C: In the Great Pyrenees, severe joint disorders such as hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), as well as hereditary eye conditions, are of primary concern.
- You live in a rural area on a large, securely fenced property without close neighbors.
- You appreciate a dog that makes its own decisions and don't require unconditional obedience at the push of a button.
- You live in a densely populated residential area and are bothered by loud barking—he is on guard, especially at night, as that is his genetic nature.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Klub fuer Ungarische Hirtenhunde e.V. (KfUH) - keeps the Pyrenaeenberghund Zuchtbuch
Self-check
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Similar Breeds
Pyrenean MastiffSame working temperament
KuvaszSame working temperament
Tatra Shepherd DogSame working temperament
Slovakian ChuvachSame working temperament
NewfoundlandSame FCI section
Is the Great Pyrenees right for you?
At a glance
Great Pyrenees overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
65–80 cm
Weight
40–75 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Dense, long, undercoat present
- Origin: France/Spain
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Great Pyrenees, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Great Pyrenees come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Great Pyrenees — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Coat type
Long
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a vigilant companion that takes guarding its territory seriously and maintains a natural distance from strangers.
- You possess a great deal of confidence, patience, and experience in handling territorial, large-breed dogs.
Less ideal if:
- You are looking for an easy-to-train, athletic companion for agility, cycling, or enthusiastic fetching.
- You have an open house with many changing visitors and expect your dog to greet every stranger with a wagging tail.
The real vibes check
A Pyrenean Mountain Dog doesn't wait for your permission to keep watch—he simply does it because it is his deepest purpose. You aren't getting a dog that follows orders, but a confident partner who stands at the fence at night, barking into the darkness to protect his pack. If you can guide and respect this majestic independence, you will have an incorruptible protector; if you expect a classic family dog, you will find him overwhelming.
Breed Profile
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as the Great Pyrenees in some countries, is an imposing presence. He is a large dog known for his majestic beauty and size. With his massive head, strong body and flowing, thick white coat, this dog exudes both power and elegance. It belongs to FCI Group 2, the Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molosser and Swiss Mountain Dogs, and is part of Section 2.2, the Mountain Dogs. It is bred as both a show and working line, with the working line being characterized by its greater emphasis on protection and herding, while the show line is more focused on appearance and temperament.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 65 - 75 cm (Female), 70 - 80 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 40 - 46 kg (Female), 55 - 75 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 yrs
- Character
- Alert, gentle, independent
- Coat
- Dense, long, undercoat present
- Coat Color
- White or white with gray, orange, wolf gray, or pale yellow spots
- Price
- 2000 - 3500 €
Character & Temperament
Although often perceived as fearsome due to its size and history as a guard and herding dog, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is known for its gentle and calm nature. He is naturally alert and protective, but he is also incredibly gentle and loving with his family. The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an independent thinker, a trait that has served him well as a herding dog. He is capable of making decisions on his own and is not as eager to follow orders as other breeds. But that doesn't mean he's stubborn or disobedient - he's simply strong-willed and needs loving but consistent guidance. In terms of temperament, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is rather calm and collected. He is not hyperactive and does not require as much physical activity as some other breeds. But he still enjoys being outside and taking walks and needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is very people-oriented and often develops a close bond with its family. Although the Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a strong protective instinct, it is not aggressive. He is alert and will bravely defend his family and territory if he feels it is necessary, but he is also good-natured and calm. His strong protective instinct makes him an effective guard dog. In terms of training, the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an intelligent dog that learns quickly. But his independence can sometimes be a challenge. It is important to work with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to achieve the best results. Early socialization and training are also important to ensure that the Great Pyrenees becomes a well-rounded dog.
| Watchfulness Strong territorial instinct — may actively confront intruders. | Very high |
| Openness to Strangers Distrustful of strangers — takes a long time to accept new people. | Very reserved |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is also called "Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées", which means "mountain dog of the Pyrenees" in French? And that they have been used for centuries to protect flocks of sheep from wolves and bears in the Pyrenees? An amazing testament to their bravery and loyalty!
What Awaits You
Pyrenean mountain dogs are herd protection dogs that tend to protect their herd or family. They work independently and are not suitable for beginners.
Housing & Care
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a calm and balanced companion, but requires a lot of space and is therefore best kept in a house with a garden. They are not suitable dogs for an apartment in the city. They generally get along well with children and other pets, but their natural protective instincts can cause them to be overly vigilant at times. He can be a bit clumsy at times due to his size and strength, so it is important that dog-child interactions are always supervised.
- Family Friendly
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Family-friendly - Child Friendly
Fine with calm, respectful children — not small tornadoes.
Better with older children - Dog Friendly
Does better without other dogs around.
Prefers being alone - City Friendly
Suffers in tight urban conditions.
Needs the countryside
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
A Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an intelligent and sometimes stubborn animal that requires consistent and loving training. Their natural desire to protect can lead to problems without proper training and socialization, so it's important to expose them to a variety of people, places and situations from an early age. They are not ball junkies, but they do need regular mental and physical activity. Despite their size and strength, they are gentle and patient, which makes training easier. Engaging in search games, nose work or even Treibball can bring them a lot of joy and help them to live out their natural instincts in a healthy way.
Nutrition & Care
Your Pyrenean Mountain Dog's diet should be tailored to his age, weight and activity level. These large dogs require a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and an appropriate amount of carbohydrates to maintain their energy and health. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a thick, weatherproof double coat that protects it from the harsh weather conditions in the Pyrenees. That's why he gets along well with the German climate. However, he sheds a lot, especially during the coat change in spring and autumn, and needs regular grooming.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
In the Great Pyrenees, severe joint disorders such as hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), as well as hereditary eye conditions, are of primary concern. For breeding approval, the Klub für Ungarische Hirtenhunde e.V. (KfUH) mandatorily prescribes X-ray examinations for HD (maximum C1, and only mated with A), ED (maximum Grade 2, and only mated with Grade 0), and OCD (finding: clear), an examination for patellar luxation (PL 0), an ophthalmological eye test (finding: clear), and a genetic test for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1), where carriers may only be mated with clear partners. Responsible breeders additionally screen their dogs for heart conditions such as tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) or neurological risks such as cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome). Before purchasing a puppy, insist on seeing the official joint X-ray evaluations, the patella report, the CMR1 status, and the clear eye exam certificates of both parents without exception.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
Especially during the first year of life, you should focus on joint-friendly rearing and a tailored diet to prevent overly rapid growth and protect the bones.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have breeding animals screened for HD, ED, PL, OCD, Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1) as well as by an ophthalmological eye exam, and additionally test for Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD).
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
13
Risks tracked
6
Club standard
7
High severity
General / metabolic
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 reflects the tests Klub fuer Ungarische Hirtenhunde e.V. (KfUH) - keeps the Pyrenaeenberghund Zuchtbuch actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Klub fuer Ungarische Hirtenhunde e.V. (KfUH) - keeps the Pyrenaeenberghund Zuchtbuch requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Great Pyrenees cost?
A Great Pyrenees costs around ~€240 per month (€120 – €460, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€6,400 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11 years) it comes to about ~€34,630.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€250 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€240
In the first year
~€6,400
Across the dog's life
~€34,630
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €2,000 – €3,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is impressively old, dating back to the Bronze Age, where it served as a guard dog for flocks of sheep in the Pyrenees, a mountain range between Spain and France. It was bred to protect herds from predators such as wolves and bears and is known for its strong protective instincts. The breed was first officially documented in the 17th century, when French nobility began keeping these majestic dogs as guard dogs in their castles. In the 19th century the breed was officially recognized and the first breed standard was established.
Original Use
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog was used to protect flocks of sheep from predators in the Pyrenees.
Origin
France/Spain
Date
Antike
Owner experiences
Many owners describe the Great Pyrenees in family life as a remarkably gentle, patient and affectionate companion.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners describe the Great Pyrenees in family life as a remarkably gentle, patient and affectionate companion. With its own family members, and children in particular, it's usually very good-natured and calm. Indoors it generally stays quiet and unexcited. Its bond with its people runs deep, yet it doesn't pester or constantly demand attention.
At the same time, owner reports stress that living with one depends on the right conditions. As a livestock guardian by origin, the Great Pyrenees needs a large, secure property with a high fence. Owners quickly hit their limits in city apartments or densely built neighborhoods: the breed tends to keep watch on its own and often announces unfamiliar noises or passersby with a deep voice that carries a long way, which can quickly lead to conflict where houses stand close together.
Receiving visitors also takes some forethought. These dogs are often reserved or even suspicious toward strangers. Experienced owners stress that visitors can't just stroll onto the property carelessly until the dog has met them and been given a clear all-clear by its person.
Sources:zooplus.dezoomalia.decanispro.dereddit.comsantevet.de
In accounts of training, owners keep stressing this breed's independent character.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In accounts of training, owners keep stressing this breed's independent character. The Great Pyrenees lacks the will to please of classic working or herding dogs. It questions whether instructions make sense and often carries out commands only after a noticeable delay, or not at all, if it doesn't see the point. According to owner accounts, pressure, harshness or demands for blind obedience quickly lead this sensitive giant to refuse altogether.
Owners succeed mainly with calm consistency, patience and positive reinforcement. Training aims more at a trusting partnership and working out clear rules than at total obedience. Forums describe thorough, early socialization in puppyhood and adolescence as indispensable.
The time of growing up and adolescence is often named as a particular hurdle. With sexual maturity the protective instinct wakes up, and meeting other dogs on leash can become a real challenge when unfamiliar dogs or threats appear close by. Owners point out that you also have to be physically up to handling the sheer force of up to 50 or 60 kilograms if the dog switches into protective mode in a given situation.
Sources:zooplus.decanispro.desantevet.deedogs.depyris-von-ehrenberg.de
Owner accounts of health and care paint a picture of a basically robust, weatherproof breed that loves cool temperatures and snow but cle…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owner accounts of health and care paint a picture of a basically robust, weatherproof breed that loves cool temperatures and snow but clearly suffers in summer heat. Owners report that in winter these dogs want to spend hours outside, while at the height of summer they mostly hide away in cool shade or on tile floors indoors.
Because of their considerable body weight, many owners share the typical worries of giant breeds. Joint problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia are recurring topics among owners, so special emphasis is placed on moderate growth in the first year of life and joint-friendly exercise. Owners also warn about the risk of bloat (gastric torsion), which is why strict rest periods after meals are part of the daily routine.
Owners largely agree about the coat: despite its sheer volume, the outer coat is surprisingly dirt-repellent, and dried mud can usually just be brushed out. However, the twice-yearly shed is regularly described as a serious test for brush and vacuum cleaner alike. The breed's typical double dewclaws on the hind legs also need regular checks and care, since they barely wear down on their own and, if left untrimmed, carry a higher risk of painful tearing.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Great Pyrenees the right dog for me?
The Great Pyrenees is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Great Pyrenees live?
The average life expectancy of a Great Pyrenees is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Great Pyrenees need?
Great Pyrenees grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Great Pyrenees good for families with children?
The Great Pyrenees can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Great Pyrenees come in?
The Great Pyrenees comes in these colors: White, Grey, Wolf grey, Yellow, Orange.
Are you a Great Pyrenees breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Great Pyrenees.